The Dodo Archive

Rescued Orangutan Survives Near-Disastrous Poaching Attack

An orangutan found with metal pellets in his side from a poaching attack is now recovering, thanks to veterinarians at the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Programme in Indonesia. Discovered in a small patch of forest on the island of Sumatra, the 14-year-old male was brought into the medical center for treatment, where this stunning photo was taken.

This photogenic primate is just one of about 280 that the center has rescued from palm oil plantations, poachers and illegal pet owners. An endangered species, orangutans are threatened by the expansion of palm oil plantations, which have plagued them as well as other species native to Indonesia.

If the photo above doesn't convince you that orangutans are amazing, then take a look at this video of Rickina, a rescued baby orangutan: